Ford Taurus X (2009 year). Manual — part 22

Note: If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is
installed, the dimmer switch requires re-calibration. Rotate the dimmer
switch from the full dim position to the full dome/on position to reset.
This will ensure that your displays are visible under all lighting
conditions.

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS

The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident, the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.

Vertical aim adjustment

1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) away.
• (1) 8 feet (2.4 meters)
• (2) Center height of lamp to

ground

• (3) 25 feet (7.6 meters)
• (4) Horizontal reference line
2. Measure the height of the
headlamp bulb center from the
ground and mark an 8 foot
(2.4 meter) horizontal reference line
on the vertical wall or screen at this
height (a piece of masking tape works well).

3. Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and
open the hood.

To see a clearer light pattern for adjusting, you may want to block the
light from one headlamp while adjusting the other.

4. On the wall or screen you will
observe an area of high intensity
light. The top of the high intensity
area should touch the horizontal
reference line, if not, the beam will
need to be adjusted.

Lights

90

5. Locate the vertical adjuster on
each headlamp. Using a Phillips #2
screwdriver, turn the adjuster either
clockwise (to adjust down) or
counterclockwise (to adjust up).
The horizontal edge of the brighter
light should touch the horizontal
reference line.

6. Close the hood and turn off the
lamps.

HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS
NON-ADJUSTABLE.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
• Push down to activate the left

turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn

signal.

INTERIOR LAMPS

Dome lamps and map lamps

The map lamps are located on the
overhead console. Press the controls
on either side of each map lamp to
turn on the lamps.

Lights

91

Your vehicle may also have reading
lamps within the rear dome lamp(s).

Press the switches on either side of
the dome lamp to turn on the
lamps.

BULB REPLACEMENT

Lamp assembly condensation

Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.

Examples of acceptable condensation are:
• Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
• Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water
leak) are:
• Water puddle inside the lamp
• Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of

the lens

Take your vehicle to dealer for service if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.

Using the right bulbs

Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an
“E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.

Lights

92

Function

Number of bulbs

Trade

number

Front park/turn lamp

2

3457A or

3457AK

(amber)

Front sidemarker lamp

2

194

Headlamp (low beam)

2

H11

Headlamp (high beam)

2

9005

* Tail/brake/turn signal
lamp

2

LED

* Rear sidemarker

2

LED

Backup lamp

2

921

License plate lamp

2

168

High-mount brake lamp

5

W5W

Fog lamp (if equipped)

2

H11 LL

Map lamp

2

12V6W

Dome/reading lamps

6

578

All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.

To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.

* To replace these lamps - see your authorized dealer.

Replacing interior bulbs

Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.

Replacing exterior bulbs

Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.

Replacing headlamp (low beam and high beam) bulbs

1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the off position, then open the hood.

2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.

Lights

93